Film London, global film streaming platform We Are Colony and Edge Hill University have announced the latest phase of an innovative research project which explores ways to capitalize on digital film releases, empower filmmakers and satisfy audiences’ appetite for exclusive content. Don't you wish you were British so you could partake in this project with your film?
Made possible by the Digital R&D fund for the Arts, the project examines the rapidly-evolving world of video on demand, and how the We Are Colony platform can engage fans who are keen to unlock exciting additional content such as deleted scenes, interviews, scripts and trailers. The seven titles selected for the year-long research project are the critically-acclaimed "Appropriate Behavior," Benedict Cumberbatch road movie "Third Star," feted Alternative Miss World documentary "The British Guide To Showing Off," Agyness Deyn’s breakout performance in "Electricity," uncompromising British drama "We Are Monster," high-concept thriller "Containment," and award-winning short film "Some Candid Observations on the Eve of the End of the World."
Adrian Wootton, Chief Executive of Film London and the British Film Commission , said: “Film London exists to help connect ideas, finance and talent at every stage of the filmmaking process, so a project which helps our industry capitalize on new technologies while exploring innovative ways to engage audiences is a perfect fit for us. By bringing together industry nous, entrepreneurial instincts and academic excellence this partnership is proving to be extremely exciting, and I’m looking forward to see how it develops and benefits the seven films we have selected.”
Sarah Tierney, founder of We Are Colony, comments: “We are pleased to be working with a group of forward-thinking and innovative producers, distributors and sales agents, keen to interrogate the potential of new digital models to engage an audience early and through additional content. In addition, with content being delivered to registered account holders in over 100 countries, We Are Colony is looking forward to sharing data from the beta launch, and the results of a significant user survey looking at viewing behaviors and attitudes to content.”
Working with a range of budgets and varying international appeal, the slate aims to reflect the reality of independent production in the UK. As Leeshon Alexander, writer, producer and star of "We Are Monster," comments: “'We Are Monster' is a truly independent film. As such, we feel it’s not only important to be a part of such a study, but a fantastic opportunity to work closely with a progressive screen agency such as Film London and a sector innovator such as We Are Colony.”
Cecilia Frugiuele of Parkville Pictures, producer of "Appropriate Behavior" and short film "Some Candid Observations on the Eve of the End of the World" also comments: “The international reach of the platform is also a way for producers and Sales Agents to be in control of their film’s destiny offering new ways to exploit a title without a traditional distributor.”
Core to We Are Colony’s unique place in the VOD market is the release of ‘special edition bundles,' releasing quality films with a range of (often exclusive) additional and behind-the-scenes content. Franki Goodwin of Western Edge Pictures, who produced "Third Star," adds: “For us, the opportunity to partner with We Are Colony to bring additional content to our fans, and in turn to support a fantastic new VOD platform, was a no-brainer. This is a huge opportunity for film makers to offer their audiences more than just a movie.”
In addition, the platform works hands-on with licensors in a marketing role, delivering content and creative, plus organic and paid marketing. Cecilia Frugiuele states: “We Are Colony is an empowering tool for filmmakers. It encourages them to think of audience engagement earlier in production, helping them shape their future distribution strategy.”
Lastly, as part of the research phase, the We Are Colony platform will be trialing new windows, including an innovative pre-sale model where users pay early in exchange for instant fulfillment on extra content, ahead of general release. One title currently in pre-sales in the UK is Containment, and producer Christine Hartland states: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with We Are Colony for the release of 'Containment.' We will be able to offer audiences a deeper experience of the film and a chance to engage in its world in innovative ways. As independent filmmakers we’re very aware of the crowded marketplace for indie British thrillers, and are excited about the possibilities of offering our audience more than just a conventional cinema experience. By connecting with audiences early and building their investment in the film, we intend to build a fanbase even ahead of release”.
The report, lead by Prof. Philip Drake of Edge Hill University and researcher Michael Franklin, co-authored by the project partners, is due to release in Q4 2015.
About the seven films selected for the project:
"Appropriate Behavior," the sexually-frank romantic comedy written, directed and starring Desiree Akhavan ("Girls"), produced by Cecilia Frugiuele, nominated in the Independent Spirit Awards 2014. The film was licensed from Peccadillo Pictures (UK), Gravitas Ventures (North America) and Transmission Films (Australia and New Zealand).
"The British Guide To Showing Off," the critically-acclaimed documentary which pays homage to the eccentric universe of the Alternative Miss World Show, directed by Jes Benstock and produced by Dorigen Hammond.
"Third Star," the critically-acclaimed British road movie starring Benedict Cumberbatch ("The Imitation Game," "Sherlock"), Tom Burke ( The Musketeers"), Jj Feild ("Captain America"), Adam Robertson and Hugh Bonneville ("Downton Abbey"), re-released internationally through the We Are Colony platform. The film was licensed from Independent Film Sales.
"Electricity," the startling 'Alice in Wonderland' tale with a breakout performance by Agyness Deyn, directed by Bryn Higgins and produced by Clare Duggan. Licensed from Soda Pictures (UK).
"We Are Monster," the critically-acclaimed, uncompromising British drama written, produced and starring Leeshon Alexander, directed by Antony Petrou, with producers including Noel Clarke ("Adulthood, Kidulthood"). The film was licensed from Metrodome Distribution (UK).
"Containment," the high-concept British thriller with an ensemble cast including Lee Ross ("The English Patient," "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes") and Louise Brealey ("Sherlock"), directed by Neil Mcenery-West and produced by Christine Hartland, Casey Herbert and Pete Smyth. The film was licensed by Vision Films (international sales).
And "Some Candid Observations on the Eve of the End of the World," the award-winning short film starring Theo Barklem-Biggs ("KIngsman: The Secret Service," "The Inbetweeners Movie") and Adrian Scarborough ("The King’s Speech," "Les Misérables").
For more information visit Here...
Made possible by the Digital R&D fund for the Arts, the project examines the rapidly-evolving world of video on demand, and how the We Are Colony platform can engage fans who are keen to unlock exciting additional content such as deleted scenes, interviews, scripts and trailers. The seven titles selected for the year-long research project are the critically-acclaimed "Appropriate Behavior," Benedict Cumberbatch road movie "Third Star," feted Alternative Miss World documentary "The British Guide To Showing Off," Agyness Deyn’s breakout performance in "Electricity," uncompromising British drama "We Are Monster," high-concept thriller "Containment," and award-winning short film "Some Candid Observations on the Eve of the End of the World."
Adrian Wootton, Chief Executive of Film London and the British Film Commission , said: “Film London exists to help connect ideas, finance and talent at every stage of the filmmaking process, so a project which helps our industry capitalize on new technologies while exploring innovative ways to engage audiences is a perfect fit for us. By bringing together industry nous, entrepreneurial instincts and academic excellence this partnership is proving to be extremely exciting, and I’m looking forward to see how it develops and benefits the seven films we have selected.”
Sarah Tierney, founder of We Are Colony, comments: “We are pleased to be working with a group of forward-thinking and innovative producers, distributors and sales agents, keen to interrogate the potential of new digital models to engage an audience early and through additional content. In addition, with content being delivered to registered account holders in over 100 countries, We Are Colony is looking forward to sharing data from the beta launch, and the results of a significant user survey looking at viewing behaviors and attitudes to content.”
Working with a range of budgets and varying international appeal, the slate aims to reflect the reality of independent production in the UK. As Leeshon Alexander, writer, producer and star of "We Are Monster," comments: “'We Are Monster' is a truly independent film. As such, we feel it’s not only important to be a part of such a study, but a fantastic opportunity to work closely with a progressive screen agency such as Film London and a sector innovator such as We Are Colony.”
Cecilia Frugiuele of Parkville Pictures, producer of "Appropriate Behavior" and short film "Some Candid Observations on the Eve of the End of the World" also comments: “The international reach of the platform is also a way for producers and Sales Agents to be in control of their film’s destiny offering new ways to exploit a title without a traditional distributor.”
Core to We Are Colony’s unique place in the VOD market is the release of ‘special edition bundles,' releasing quality films with a range of (often exclusive) additional and behind-the-scenes content. Franki Goodwin of Western Edge Pictures, who produced "Third Star," adds: “For us, the opportunity to partner with We Are Colony to bring additional content to our fans, and in turn to support a fantastic new VOD platform, was a no-brainer. This is a huge opportunity for film makers to offer their audiences more than just a movie.”
In addition, the platform works hands-on with licensors in a marketing role, delivering content and creative, plus organic and paid marketing. Cecilia Frugiuele states: “We Are Colony is an empowering tool for filmmakers. It encourages them to think of audience engagement earlier in production, helping them shape their future distribution strategy.”
Lastly, as part of the research phase, the We Are Colony platform will be trialing new windows, including an innovative pre-sale model where users pay early in exchange for instant fulfillment on extra content, ahead of general release. One title currently in pre-sales in the UK is Containment, and producer Christine Hartland states: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with We Are Colony for the release of 'Containment.' We will be able to offer audiences a deeper experience of the film and a chance to engage in its world in innovative ways. As independent filmmakers we’re very aware of the crowded marketplace for indie British thrillers, and are excited about the possibilities of offering our audience more than just a conventional cinema experience. By connecting with audiences early and building their investment in the film, we intend to build a fanbase even ahead of release”.
The report, lead by Prof. Philip Drake of Edge Hill University and researcher Michael Franklin, co-authored by the project partners, is due to release in Q4 2015.
About the seven films selected for the project:
"Appropriate Behavior," the sexually-frank romantic comedy written, directed and starring Desiree Akhavan ("Girls"), produced by Cecilia Frugiuele, nominated in the Independent Spirit Awards 2014. The film was licensed from Peccadillo Pictures (UK), Gravitas Ventures (North America) and Transmission Films (Australia and New Zealand).
"The British Guide To Showing Off," the critically-acclaimed documentary which pays homage to the eccentric universe of the Alternative Miss World Show, directed by Jes Benstock and produced by Dorigen Hammond.
"Third Star," the critically-acclaimed British road movie starring Benedict Cumberbatch ("The Imitation Game," "Sherlock"), Tom Burke ( The Musketeers"), Jj Feild ("Captain America"), Adam Robertson and Hugh Bonneville ("Downton Abbey"), re-released internationally through the We Are Colony platform. The film was licensed from Independent Film Sales.
"Electricity," the startling 'Alice in Wonderland' tale with a breakout performance by Agyness Deyn, directed by Bryn Higgins and produced by Clare Duggan. Licensed from Soda Pictures (UK).
"We Are Monster," the critically-acclaimed, uncompromising British drama written, produced and starring Leeshon Alexander, directed by Antony Petrou, with producers including Noel Clarke ("Adulthood, Kidulthood"). The film was licensed from Metrodome Distribution (UK).
"Containment," the high-concept British thriller with an ensemble cast including Lee Ross ("The English Patient," "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes") and Louise Brealey ("Sherlock"), directed by Neil Mcenery-West and produced by Christine Hartland, Casey Herbert and Pete Smyth. The film was licensed by Vision Films (international sales).
And "Some Candid Observations on the Eve of the End of the World," the award-winning short film starring Theo Barklem-Biggs ("KIngsman: The Secret Service," "The Inbetweeners Movie") and Adrian Scarborough ("The King’s Speech," "Les Misérables").
For more information visit Here...
- 8/25/2015
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Black Pond (15)
(Tom Kingsley, Will Sharpe, 2011, UK) Chris Langham, Colin Hurley, Amanda Hadingue, Will Sharpe, Simon Amstell. 82 mins
First-time films are traditionally youthful coming-of-age stories, but this delightful little oddity revolves around a miserable middle-aged couple and the deaths of first their three-legged dog, then a very strange stranger they invite to dinner. Everything about it is pretty eccentric, in fact, with surreal animated interludes, an absurd cameo from Amstell and plenty of off-balance domestic comedy, not to mention the risky return of Langham. But in its own idiosyncratic way, it all fits together perfectly.
Wuthering Heights (15)
(Andrea Arnold, 2011, UK) Kaya Scodelario, James Howson, Shannon Beer. 129 mins
Discarding the usual niceties of costume drama, Arnold rolls Brontë's saga in the muck for this provocative, sensuous interpretation. Sublime to start with, it never quite recovers from a second-half change of cast.
The Rum Diary (15)
(Bruce Robinson, 2011, Us) Johnny Depp, Aaron Eckhart,...
(Tom Kingsley, Will Sharpe, 2011, UK) Chris Langham, Colin Hurley, Amanda Hadingue, Will Sharpe, Simon Amstell. 82 mins
First-time films are traditionally youthful coming-of-age stories, but this delightful little oddity revolves around a miserable middle-aged couple and the deaths of first their three-legged dog, then a very strange stranger they invite to dinner. Everything about it is pretty eccentric, in fact, with surreal animated interludes, an absurd cameo from Amstell and plenty of off-balance domestic comedy, not to mention the risky return of Langham. But in its own idiosyncratic way, it all fits together perfectly.
Wuthering Heights (15)
(Andrea Arnold, 2011, UK) Kaya Scodelario, James Howson, Shannon Beer. 129 mins
Discarding the usual niceties of costume drama, Arnold rolls Brontë's saga in the muck for this provocative, sensuous interpretation. Sublime to start with, it never quite recovers from a second-half change of cast.
The Rum Diary (15)
(Bruce Robinson, 2011, Us) Johnny Depp, Aaron Eckhart,...
- 11/12/2011
- by Steve Rose
- The Guardian - Film News
I won't spoil tomorrow night's virginity episode of Glee by telling you what Chris Colfer said about it, but I will tell you what he thinks about the possibility of a Kurt/Karofsky romance. "I think it’s a great idea. I think people love Kurt and Blaine so much that they would never stray from that. But maybe if Blaine and Kurt take a break that would be a great alternative. I would like to see that happen."
They are preparing for backlash from the Parents Television Council over the episode, but Colfer does think that the experience will be good for Klaine. "I’m assuming they’ll be much happier. They’ll probably be a lot more tired."
This is what the voice of reason on homosexuality sounds like in Nigeria.
Thanks to a "crisis" in British animation (it doesn't get tax breaks like live action productions), the...
They are preparing for backlash from the Parents Television Council over the episode, but Colfer does think that the experience will be good for Klaine. "I’m assuming they’ll be much happier. They’ll probably be a lot more tired."
This is what the voice of reason on homosexuality sounds like in Nigeria.
Thanks to a "crisis" in British animation (it doesn't get tax breaks like live action productions), the...
- 11/7/2011
- by Ed Kennedy
- The Backlot
Errol Morris, London
The esteem in which this documentarian is held can be judged by the people interviewing him on stage: BBC Storyville producer Nick Fraser, Adam Curtis, Franny Armstrong and the Guardian's Xan Brooks. Each Q&A is preceded by a screening of Morris's latest, Tabloid, which marks a return to his eccentric terrain after recent films on Abu Ghraib (Standard Operating Procedure) and the Vietnam war (The Fog Of War). Tabloid revisits the very British scandal of Joyce McKinney, a Wyoming beauty queen who allegedly kidnapped and sexually enslaved her beau – or did she rescue him from the Mormons? Morris gives us the story from all sides.
Brixton Ritzy, SW2, Sat; Bafta, W1, Sun; Gate Notting Hill, W11; Screen On The Green, N1, Tue
French Film Festival, On tour
There's a tinge of nostalgia to the festival's big draws this year. Special guest Daniel Auteuil harks back to...
The esteem in which this documentarian is held can be judged by the people interviewing him on stage: BBC Storyville producer Nick Fraser, Adam Curtis, Franny Armstrong and the Guardian's Xan Brooks. Each Q&A is preceded by a screening of Morris's latest, Tabloid, which marks a return to his eccentric terrain after recent films on Abu Ghraib (Standard Operating Procedure) and the Vietnam war (The Fog Of War). Tabloid revisits the very British scandal of Joyce McKinney, a Wyoming beauty queen who allegedly kidnapped and sexually enslaved her beau – or did she rescue him from the Mormons? Morris gives us the story from all sides.
Brixton Ritzy, SW2, Sat; Bafta, W1, Sun; Gate Notting Hill, W11; Screen On The Green, N1, Tue
French Film Festival, On tour
There's a tinge of nostalgia to the festival's big draws this year. Special guest Daniel Auteuil harks back to...
- 11/5/2011
- by Steve Rose
- The Guardian - Film News
Weekend (18)
(Andrew Haigh, 2011, UK) Tom Cullen, Chris New. 97 mins
You could easily label this a gay Before Sunrise or suchlike, with its 48-hour, boy-meets-boy premise, but it deserves to be judged on its own merits. There's a beautiful naturalism to the way these two Londoners progress from random one-night stand to something deeper, through sex, drugs and revealing conversation. Despite the narrow focus, it speaks volumes about love, art and gay identity.
Tower Heist (12A)
(Brett Ratner, 2011, Us) Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy, Alan Alda. 104 mins
With Murphy's coaching, an all-star cast storms the high-rise fortress of Ponzi tyrant Alda in what could have been a great comedy for our times, but ends up just a mildly enjoyable one.
In Time (12A)
(Andrew Niccol, 2011, Us) Justin Timberlake, Amanda Seyfried, Cillian Murphy. 109 mins
Stylish, if logic-stretching, adventure set in a future where time is money and nobody looks older than 25.
The Future (12A)
(Miranda July,...
(Andrew Haigh, 2011, UK) Tom Cullen, Chris New. 97 mins
You could easily label this a gay Before Sunrise or suchlike, with its 48-hour, boy-meets-boy premise, but it deserves to be judged on its own merits. There's a beautiful naturalism to the way these two Londoners progress from random one-night stand to something deeper, through sex, drugs and revealing conversation. Despite the narrow focus, it speaks volumes about love, art and gay identity.
Tower Heist (12A)
(Brett Ratner, 2011, Us) Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy, Alan Alda. 104 mins
With Murphy's coaching, an all-star cast storms the high-rise fortress of Ponzi tyrant Alda in what could have been a great comedy for our times, but ends up just a mildly enjoyable one.
In Time (12A)
(Andrew Niccol, 2011, Us) Justin Timberlake, Amanda Seyfried, Cillian Murphy. 109 mins
Stylish, if logic-stretching, adventure set in a future where time is money and nobody looks older than 25.
The Future (12A)
(Miranda July,...
- 11/5/2011
- by Steve Rose
- The Guardian - Film News
Documentary The British Guide to Showing Off follows artist Andrew Logan and his outrageous Alternative Miss World Show. Verve has acquired the film for distribution on U.K. ground. Pic made its debut at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival his month. Alternative Miss World Show is an anarchic costume pageant hosted by Logan since 1972. Film London produced the Jes Benstock-directed docu with backing from the Film Agency of Wales and BBC Films as well as Skillset. The British Guide to Showing Off features Brian Eno, Zandra Rhodes, Grayson Perry and Richard O'Brien...
- 7/1/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Documentary The British Guide to Showing Off follows artist Andrew Logan and his outrageous Alternative Miss World Show. Verve has acquired the film for distribution on U.K. ground. Pic made its debut at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival his month. Alternative Miss World Show is an anarchic costume pageant hosted by Logan since 1972. Film London produced the Jes Benstock-directed docu with backing from the Film Agency of Wales and BBC Films as well as Skillset. The British Guide to Showing Off features Brian Eno, Zandra Rhodes, Grayson Perry and Richard O'Brien...
- 7/1/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
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